Coccidiosis in Rabbits

Coccidiosis in Rabbits is caused by Eimeria Stiedae, E. Flavescens and E. intestinalis. It is common in rabbit intensively breeding and rearing under poor sanitation.

Etiology

• Eimeria Stiedae: Hepatic coccidiosis
• Eimeria Flavescens: Intestinal coccidiosis
• Eimeria intestinalis: intestinal coccidiosis

Epidemiology

• Age: Commonest around weaning and young rabbits are highly susceptible.
• Risk Factors: Intensive breeding and rearing under poor sanitation.
• Prepatent period for E. Stiedae 18 days  and for others 5-7 days.

Clinical manifestation

Hepatic coccidiosis

• Wasting, diarrhoea, ascites and polyuria.
• Lesion- Enlargement of liver with studded white nodule.

Intestinal Coccidiosis

• Diarrhoea, indigestion, bloating, inappetence, reduced weight gain, sudden death without symptoms or convulsion and paralysis.
• Lesion: thickened intestinal wall with grayish white deposits, contents are pasty, diarrhoeic and with blood streaks.

Diagnosis

• Demonstration of oocysts in the faeces and postmortem examination.

Treatment

• Sulphonamides like sulphamezathine in drinking water at 0.2 % is effective.

Control

• Daily cleaning of cages/hutches/pens.
• Provision of clean feeding trough.
• Rearing on wire floor.
• Incorporation of coccidiostat such as amprolium, clopidol or robenidine in the feed.